Burner control valve



J. H. THORNBERY BURNER CONTROL VALVE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 27, 1954 Filed `April 20, 1950 J. H. THORNBERY April 27, 1954 BURNER coNTRoL VALVE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed vApril 20, 1950 l G... .w

Il'/ Q April 27, 1954 J. H. THORNBERY BURNER CONTROL VALVE Filed April 20, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 jT-FZQAZ April 27, 1954 J. H. THORNBERY 12,676,757

' BURNR CONTROL VALVE Filed April 20, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 J..H. THORNBERY BURNER CONTROL VALVE .Aprila-f,v 1954 y 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April A20, 1950 INVENToR. ofv/z bercy Q/gig/ Patented Apr. 27, 1954 John IL yrimnbmf, Whitefish Bay,

Wis.asvs.ignor to Milwaukee Gas Specialty Company,l Milwaf kee, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application April 20, 1950, Serial No. `157,130

12V Claims. 1

Thisv invention relates to burner control valves, and-'is particularly concerned with an` improved control and safety shut-'off valve of the type" which, under the controlvof fluid pressure and thermoelectric power, controls the flow of gaseous fuel to a main burner and to a pilot burner therefor.

While I shall hereinafter, Vin connection with the drawings, describe YAone particular control valve* embodying the `present invention in rela` tion to one particular burner system, it is to be understood that' this invention is not in` its broader aspects -limited to the particular embodiment selected for-illustration, nor to use in thev particular burner-system shown and described.

In prior control systems of the type with which this invention is concerned therehas been interposed in the fuel supply pipe leading to the main burner a diaphragm valve under the control of a thermoelectric generator positioned to bev heated by the pilot burner for the main burner in :conjunction with another valve valso in the fuel supply pipe leading to the main burner and which is operable to shut oir-the supply of fuelto both the main burner and the pilot burners,

when the pilot burner is-extinguished. In these prior systems the control of the diaphragm -valve by the thermoelectric generator hasbeen obtained by a pilot valve'undervcontrol ofan electromagnetl connected! in circuit-'with the therh1o` electric generator and operable between one position'inwhich fuel pressure is imposed on the diaphragm valve to close the .sameand another position-in which the fuel is vented from 'the di-n aphragm chamber, for example, into the furnace or into proximity to the pilot burner.

In order to prevent bleeding or venting of the gas through the vent when the diaphragm valve is closed, certain of the above mentioned prior schemes employ aligned jets, one opening into the chamber wherein the fuel pressure is im-A posed to close the diaphragm valve, with theother` opening from the chamber through lthevent, and the pilot valv'ebeing operable between` one position closing the inlet jet and its`other position closing the outlet jet. These schemes thus entail control of both an `inlet portopening intoithe'diaphragrnchamber and an outlet port opening therefrom; also a vent -tube 'leading from the'diaphrag'm chamber into the furnace or into=proximity to the pilot burner in addition to the fuel supply pipe for the pilot burner, and v separate valve structures one for the' main or diaphraginivalve and the other for ythe safety shut-'offvalver- A One of the main objects of the present inventionA is to provide an improved automatically operable control valve for the control of the gas supply to a burner by utilizing energy of the gas as a'source of power to operate the valve vand wherein the application of the energy of the gas for operating the valve is under the control of a thermoelectric generator'positioned to'be heated by the pilotburner.

, Another object of the invention is to provide a valve of the class described wherein all necessary elements are 'combined into one compact unit to simplify installation and service.

Another object of the invention is to provide a Valve of the class describedrwhich does not requirev control of bothinlet and outlet ports for the diaphragm chamber, or a separate vent tube leading from the diaphragm chamber into the furnace or into proximity to the pilot burner.

f' Another object of the invention is to provide burner, a valve Which controls the application of fuel energy to the main valve to close the same.

Another -object of the invention is to provide a device that Will fail safe under all conditions and which will provide 100% safety shut-olf of the main burner, the pilot burner, and the bleed or vent gas.

Another object of the invention is to provide for safety shut-off in case the pilot burner becomes extinguished for any reason.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a device in which Lbleed gas from the main valve is utilized as the gas' for the pilot burner.

Another'object of the invention is to provide for=safe lighting, and, more particularly, a high speed actuating mechanism for assuring that the main vvalve will -berurged vagainst and held to tiony andoperation of an illustrative embodiment.

of thefinventon andone manner of using .the

3 device according to the invention in a burner system.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing more or less schematically the basic elements oi the burner control valve of the present invention ernbodied in an illustrative form of burner system;

Figure 2 is an elevational View of the outer end of the control valve, with the cover removed, partially in section and schematic in part;

Figure 3 is a sectional View, partially in elevation. taken, in general, along the line 3--3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view, partially in elevation, taken, in general, along the line -4--4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an axial sectional view through one of the valve body parts of the valve shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, and showing fragmentarily and in section a portion of the other valve body part;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of one illustrative form of power unit assembly suitable for use with the present invention;

Figure 7 is an end view of the power unit assembly looking from the left hand end of Figure 6; and

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figure 1 but showing, in addition, mechanism for assuring safe lighting.

Referring now to the drawings, and first to Figure 1 which shows more or less schematically the basic elements of the invention laid out in diagrammatic manner to facilitate understanding the invention, the burner shown at I is the main burner. It may be the main burner, for example, for a room or space heater, or it may be the main burner for a water heater, or for a floor furnace, an oven burner, or any other burner, and of suitable construction.

A fuel supply pipe or conduit 2 leads to the burner I for the delivery of gaseous or other fuel thereto, for example, through a mixing chamber 3 to which air is admitted through adjustable air inlets (not shown), as well understood in the art. The now of gas through the conduit 2 is controlled by a main valve 4 shown in the form of a diaphragm valve.

The diaphragm valve 4 is shown in Figure 1 as comprising a pair of valve body parts 5 and 6. rIhe valve body part 6 has a gas inlet 1, a gas outlet 8, and a valve seat 9 between inlet "I and outlet 8. Contiguous sections of conduit 2 are connected to inlet 1 and outlet 8. A diaphragm I is secured marginally between the valve body parts and 6, and separates the flow of fuel through inlet I and outlet 8 from the diaphragm chamber II on the opposite side of the diaphragm. The diaphragm I carries a main valve member I2 which is adapted to seat upon the valve seat 9 to shut off the flow of fuel to the main burner I, and for movement to position away from said seat for flow of fuel to the burner I.

The valve 4 has first passage means indicated in Figure 1 at I3, I4, and I5 for receiving fuel from the inlet side of the valve and applying the pressure or energy thereof into diaphragm chamber I I and thereby to diaphragm I0 to close the valve member I2. The valve 4 also has second passage means, indicated in Figure 1 at I3, I6, and l5, which also receives fuel from the inlet side of the valve and applies the pressure or energy thereof into chamber II and therebyv to diaphragm I0 to close valve member I2.

The, leg

4 I4 of the nrst passage means has a relatively restricted oriiice I1 which diminishes the supply of gas to the diaphragm chamber I I through the first passage means I3, I4 and I5 to less than that which is supplied to the diaphragm chamber I I through the second passage means I3, I6, and I5. The leg I3 of the iirst and second passage means preferably has a suitable filter I8 therein.

A bleed or vent conduit I9 connected, for example, as shown schematically in Figure l, thus leads from both the rst passage means I3, I4 and I5, and the second passage means I3, I6, and I5 for supplying gas therefrom as will presently appear. The conduit I9 leads to a pilot burner 20 and supplies the pilot burner supply of fuel to the pilot burner 20 which is located in juxtaposition to the main burner I to maintain a pilot name for igniting the main burner. The pilot burner 20 may be in the form shown and described in the copending application of Eugene E. Meusy, Serial No. 146,686, led February 28, 1950, or in copending application of Stephen L. Kile, Serial No. 693,927, filed August 30', 1946, now abandoned, or in the copending application of Charles E. Hajny, Serial No. 39,339, led July 17, 1948, or of any other form.

Suffice it to state that the pilot burner 2G has one or more orifices at 2I for maintaining one or more iiames for Higniting the main burner I and for heating the o''e or more hot junctions of a thermoelectric generator 22 which may be in the form of a thermocouple of concentric or other form, or in the form of a thermopile. The pilot burner 2G preferably has a relatively restricted oriiice at 23 which matches or is of the same size as the relatively restricted orifice I'I in the leg I4 of the first passage means of the valve.

rThe flow of gas through the second passage means, for example, through the leg I6 thereof is controlled by a thermoelectric valve which is indicated, in general, at 24 in Figure l, and acts as an automatic Valve under the control of a thermostat or other condition responsive control indicated at 25. While the valve 24 may be of any other suitable form within the broader aspects of the present invention, one suitable form which the valve 24 may take is illustrated in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 7.

As shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 7, the valve 24 comprises an armature 2B pivoted on needle pivots 21 carried by a pivot bracket 28. The armature 26 is provided with an actuating coil 29 which, when energized by the heating of the hot junction means of the thermoelectric generator 22 by the heat of the pilot burner flame, moves the armature 26 to attracted position against the end of a nozzle 30 to shut olf the flow of fuel through the second passage means I3, I6, and I5. When the coil 29 is deenergized, for example, by extinguishment of the pilot burner flame, or by opening of the thermoelectric circuit therefor by the thermostat 25 or other condition responsive device, a spring 3| moves the armature to retracted position and away from the nozzle 30 for the flow of gas through the second passage means I3, I5, and i5. The coil 29 has a core or coil spool 32 which with the coil constitutes the actuating electromagnet for the automatic valve 24.

In the form of automatic valve shown in Figures 2-5, the nozzle 3 is mounted in and opens inwardly through the wall of diaphragm chamber ll. The nozzle 3i!y may be secured in place by a nut 34, and may be provided with a washer 35. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an opening or pas- -sage '36 opensffromthe valveinle't-1. Controland pilot gas lenters `passage 35 .and passes .through Iilter- I-8. Outwardly of -iilter :I8 onepartoftthe gas enters passage-31 which leads to the nozzle or valve orice 38. Afpipe plugmay-.be-provided at 39. Theother-par't ofthe gas .enters-a passage 40 andorice 4I which leads through .a .valve plug 42, -rotatably. mounted in thevalve-body part 5, to the chamber lII on-the outerside of diaphragm I0. A filter'` cap is-providedat43.

AWhen nozzlef'f is. open, vgas willpassto cha-mber lI-through port. 44 and. also .along a square or polygonal pin 45 which operates in a passage 145-of circular sectionopening intotheinteriorof an obliquely ldisposed. tubular. body part .41. Asafety shut-olivalve .member 48 is `"adapted to .seat,for example, upon a-valveseat-49 at the inner. endl of tubular part-41 to shut ofithe supply of gas tothe pilotburner-ZU. -The vent, bleed -or gas supply conduit I 9, from which the pilotburner A2l] receives gas, -is connected to the pilot outlet .55 of the safety shut-off valve as shownlin-Figure 2. An electromagnet- I having a magnetframe A52 and a coil 53 is adapted for holding an armature connected at -55 to valve member A48 inattracted position and thereby the valve 48 open when the thermoelectric generator -22 is -heated by the pilot burner flame. The electromagnet 5 I -is connected Ain circuit with the thermoelectric generator by lead conductors 56 -and 51 (Figure l) which may be of coaxial -form as shown in-Oscar JLeins Patent `No.v 2,126,564, issued August 9, V1938, or of other suitableform. Circuit connector meansis shown at 58 in Figure 2 for connection with the electromagnet 5I and with the lead conductors of coaxial ,'form, but, of course, this may vary. When the pilot burner 29 -is extinguished the electromagnet-5I ceases to hold valve 48 open, and this valve moves to closed position,

for example, under the action of a spring 59 to shut off the supply of fuel to the pilot burner and thereby V'the bleeding or venting of fuel from the first and second passage means I3, I4 and I5 and I3, I6, 4and I5 respectively, as shown I llgure 1.-

A reset button 60 (Figures 1 and 2) is adapted to be pressed inwardly to A.cause its stem `6I to engage and move valve 48 to open position with accompanying movement of armature 54 to attracte'd position and to hold armature 54 in a-ttracted position until the pilot burner 29 is ignited and heats the thermoelectric generator 272 sufficiently to retain armature 54 in attracted position and valve 48 open. When reset button' 6B is released, it maybe actuated to its outwardly projected position, f or example, by a coiled spring 62.

For the purpose of holding the valve constitutingarmature of the automatic valve 24 open so that y energy will be applied to hold the main valve I 2 `closed while resetting the armature 54 of the safety shut-off valve 48 to attracted position, means is provided, for example, in the form of latch means. This latch means comprises a spring .63 mounted in place at 64 (Figure 2). Qns end of the spring 5 3 may bear against the valve body part 5 at 65. The other arm of the spring '53 engages the armature 26 of the automatic valve at 56. The spring 63 extends across the path of travel of the inner end of the pin 45. The outer end of the pin cooperates with a tapered portion 51 on the reset stem 6I.

When reset button is pressed inwardly, the tapered portion 61 thereof engages the outer end of the pin 45 and moves this pi-n inwardly or away 6'. from theaxis of the 4reset; stem 6 I. Inf this move ment the inner end of pin (45 engages the .-armf-of the.spring63 and -moves thesame in a direction to force thearmature 54 away fromthevnozzle 30, thus opening the automatic valve. "Thisassuresthe passage of suliicientA gas .to-diaphragm chamber IiI toclose valve-.25. and shut offthefsupply of gas to the main burner during resetting-of the safety shuteoff valve. At:the Sametime-the accompanyingopeningtof thevalve 48lsets up-a pilot supply of gasto the pilot burner-20 which may be lighted by a match or tapenorelectrically. or otherwise as desired.

If the yreset button .65 shouldV be released` before the.electromagnet 5I lis energized sufficiently-to holdrvalve 43 open, ythis valve wi11close, thus shutting 01T bleedingor venting of gas `from the first andv second passage means I3, I4, andsIEand t3, I-G, and I5. Asa result, -the gas which then passes to diaphragmchamber through passage means I3, I4, and I5 willmaintain valve member I2fclosed eventhough valve 24 should-be operating toshut oif the passage of gas through -passage-means I3, I5, and I5. :When the reset-button .60 is released, pin 45 moves outwardlyforlexample, under the actionof spring 62,andautomatic valve 39 is then free to open and close,vfor example, underthe control of thethermostat 25 orother condition responsivelmeans.

The coil 29 of the electromagnet for the automatic -valve 24 is connected in -circuit `with the thermoelectric generator by lead conductors t1l) and 1I (Figure -1) which maybe ofcoaxial `form as shown in the Oscar J. Leinspatent previously identified herein, or of other suitable form. lCircuit connection means Iis shown at v12 4in Figure 2 for connection with the electromagnet -for the automatic valve and with lead conductor means of coaxial form, -but this may, of course, vary.

In AFigure 1 one section of the lead conductor 10 is shown connected at one end to one end of-coll 29 and as extending and connected at its opposite end to one `of the contacts 13' of the thermostat 25 or other condition respor sive device. The other section of lead conductor 'I0 is-shown connected at one end to the other terminal 14 Yof the thermostat 25 or other condition responsive Vdevice, and as extending and connected at its opposite end to one side of the thermoelectric generator 22. -The other lead conductor 1I connects the other end of coil 29 to the other side of the thermoelectric generator 22. One end of coil 53 of the safety shut-off valve is connected Aby conductor 56 to lead conductor 10, and the other end of coil 53 is connected by conductor 51 toY lead conductor 1 l The connections of conductors 56 and 51 yto conductors v1!) and 1I are preferably disposed between the thermoelectric generator 22 and the thermostat or other control 25 so that the device 25 may operate to open and close or disable and enable `the thermcelectric circuit for the automatic valve 24 without opening or closing or disabling or enabling the circuit for the coil 53 of the safety shut-off valve.

The rotatable plug 42 may be =held yieldingly seated, for example, by a coiled spring 15, and preferably has not only the .orifice 4 I, but one or more additional orifices. In Figure 2 the plug 42 is shown as having three orifices 4 I, 11, and 18 which are of .different sizes` for .different gases, The orifice 4l may, for example, be for natural gas, the orice 11 for butane, propane, or the like,l and the orice 18 for manufactured gas. The outer end of the plug 42 is shown. (Figure 2) having markings N, M, and BP and pointerswhich are adapted to register with a pointer 80 on the valve body part B to indicate which of the orifices 4|, 11 or 18 isin register with the passage 40.

Orifice sizes commonly in use vary from about .020 to .024 of an inch, but this, of course, is merely illustrative and in nowise limiting. It is to be understood that the size of the orifice 23 at the pilot burner 20 may be varied to match the sizes of the orifices 4|, 11 or 18, depending upon which of such orifices is to be used.

When the pilot burner 20 is extinguished safety shut-off valve 48 is in closed position shutting off the venting of gas from passage means I3, |4 and I5, and I3, I6, and I5, to the pilot burner 20. At this time the automatic valve is also deenergized and in open position for the flow of fuel, for example, through the passage means |3, I6 and I5 as shown in Figure 1 to diaphragm chamber II where its energy is imposed on diaphragm to close and retain the main valve I2 closed against its seat. At this time gas also ows through the passage means I3, I4, and |5, and its energy is imposed on diaphragm |0 to close and retain the main valve |2 closed against its seat 9.

With the parts in the foregoing relation the following sequence is followed to start the sys- The reset button B0 is engaged with the fingers and pressed inwardly. This opens safety shutoff valve 48 and gas passes through the conduit I9 to pilot burner 20 which is then lighted. Upon ignition of thereof, by heating the one or more hot junctions of the thermoelectric generator 22, energizes the electromagnet to hold safety shut-off valve 48 in open position. Assuming that the thermostat 25 is calling for heat, its switch is closed and the thermoelectric generator then energizes the electromagnet of the automatic valve 24 sufficiently to close and hold this valve closed. Thus there is no passage of gas to the diaphragm valve through the second passage means |3, I6, and I5, and the gas which would pass to the diaphragm valve through the first passage means I3, |4 and I5 is vented or bled to the pilot burner 20. As a result, the pressure or energy of the gas acting on the bottom of diaphragm I0 as the device is viewed in Figure 1, opens the main valve I2 for flow of fuel to main burner I which is ignited by the pilot burner 20.

If after the system is started the thermostat operates to position where further heat is not desired, it opens the thermoelectric circuit for the automatic valve 24. As a result this valve is deenergized and moves to open position, passing gas to diaphragm chamber I I through the second passage means I3, l and I5 of the valve. This iiow of gas is unrestricted, and its energy acts on diaphragm I0 to close main valve I2 and shut off the supply of fuel to the main burner I, notwithstanding that the electromagnet 5| is energized and the safety shut-off valve 48 is open for continued burning of the pilot burner 20.

If, however, the pilot burner 20 is extinguished, the safety shut-off valve 48 closes and thereby shuts off bleeding or venting of fuel from first and second passage means I3, I4, and I5, and I3, I6, and I5. As a result the pressure or energy of the fuel on diaphragm l0 closes main valve I2 and shuts off the supply of fuel to the main burner.

' With the safety shut-off valve 40 open and the the pilot burner 20 the flame pilot burner lighted, the thermostat or other condition responsive means is thus operable automatically to open and close the main valve I2 independently of the safety shut-off valve 48 which continues open as long as the pilot burner 20 is ignited and electromagnet 5I energized suiciently to hold armature 54 in attracted position.

The latch means 03, 45, 61 assures a gas supply through second passage means I3, I6, and I5 to retain the main valve I2 closed during the resetting operation, even though the electromagnet of the automatic valve 24 should become energized.

Except for additional mechanism for assuring safe lighting, the apparatus shown diagrammatically in Figure 8 is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 1, and similar parts are therefore designated by primed reference characters corresponding to the reference characters used in Figure 1.

The mechanism for assuring safe lighting with the apparatus of Figure 8 comprises a pipe or passage |00 which communicates at |0| with the upstream side of the lower housing 5 and leads to the inlet chamber |02 of a valve housing |03 in juxtaposition to the safety shut-off valve in the conduit I0 for supplying gaseous fuel to the pilot burner 20. A pipe or passage |04 leads from the outlet chamber |05 of valve housing |03, and opens at its opposite end, at |06, into the interior of the diaphragm chamber A partition |01, provided with a port or opening |08, is interposed between inlet and outlet chambers |02 and |05. Port |08 is surrounded by an annular valve seat. A valve member |09 carried by a reciprocatory reset stem IIO is adapted to seat against this valve seat to shut off the ow of gaseous fuel from the upstream side of the lower housing 5 to the diaphragm chamber i through pipes or passages |00 and |04, and for movement to open position when push button on reset stem I l0 is pressed inwardly. The valve member |09 may be returned to closed position and reset stem IIO to its outwardly projecting position when the button I I I is released by gravity or, for example, by a spring ||2 or otherwise as desired. The inner end of the stem ||0 is adapted to abut the reset button |30 of the safety shut-off valve 40 to actuate the valve 40 to open position and armature 54 to attracted position relative to magnet frame 52 by depressing the button ||I.

The pipes or passages |00 and |04 are of relatively large diameter toprovide for a large surge cf gaseous fuel to diaphragm chamber il when valve member |00 is opened. The size of the pipes |00 and |04 and valve housing |03 may be very much larger than the orifice at 24' which may be limited by the amount of effort by a spring biased relay mechanism 2%. rIhe safe lighting mechanism may be integral with the bonnet casting 5', but for purposes of clarity is shown diagrammatically.

When push button ii| is pressed inwardly the valve member |09 is opened to supply gas from the connection |0i into the diaphragm chamber Il above the diaphragm. Because of the size of the valve |00 and passages |03 and |04, the diaphragm I0 will be urged instantly downwardly until valve |2 engages its seat 9' to assure that this valve is closed and held closed during resetting of the safety shut-off valve 43 to open position for ignition of the pilot burner.

Continued upward movement of the stem |i0 will cause movement of reset stem 5| fcr open- .ingf'valve 48" and engagingarmature '54 magnetframe* 52. velectroniagnet -5 l and a' main fuel' outlet with After energiza'tion of the due yto' lproper ignition `of the pilot Aburner and heating` of the thermoelectric generatorf22, the button I H may be'rcleased to .piace the systemiunder control of the automatic means 'similar to the preceding embodiment of thel invention-- The-embodiment'ofv the invention shown in the drawings is for illustrative purposes only, andit isto `be expressly'understood that said drawings and theaccompanying"specification are not=to be construed as-"a'denitionof the limits orfscope yofthe invention, reference being had" to the appended cl'aimsf for that'fpurpose'.

VI claim:

1. In control apparatus-pf the class wherein there is a valve provided with'avalve body havingetherein a diaphragm valve-member operable to-*closed and 'open' positions, a main fuel inlet on lone'v sidefofl said valve member, a `pressurechamberon the opposite side of said valve member, av` first passageway connecting the inletside of saidv valve withsaid pressure chamber, a' second passageway uconnecting-vtheinlet side of said valve with said pressure chamber, and athirdr passageway having connection with said fl-rstandsecond passageways for ldeliveringgaseous fuel therefrom, the combinationwith-saidvalve ofa first-normally closed thermoelectric device in said third passageway, a secondnormallyf open=thermoelectric device in said second@ -passageway, aj thermoelectric generator connect'edfin circuitwith and common to both I'said rst and second thermoelectric devices and adapted for holding-said first -thermoelectric deviceopenf-'and said' second thermoelectric device cl'osed when said thermoelectric generator is energized, said first thermoelectricdevice operating to closedpositionand'said vsecond thermoelectricdevice beingv adapted to operate to open position 'upon deenergization of 'said thermoelectric generator; and a* rotatable plugin rsaidfirst passageway having-a plurality of restricted orifices of'different sizes selectively positionable by rotation of Asaid plugwfor-the flow--of gaseous fuel froin fthe inlet'side ofthe valveto the pressure chamber selectively through anyone of `said oriflces.

v2.`v In -a vburner control valve; in combination; aivalve-body, aimainv valve :member operable to closed-and open positions within the valve-body, said valve body having a main fuel inlet land a mainV fuel outlet von' one sideof saidvalve member anda pressurechamber on the opposite side of said valve member; aI first passageway 'connecting the inletside of said valve with said pressure chamber; -a second lpassageway connecting the inlet sideof said valvewithv said pressure chamberi a'third passageway having connection with said firstl and' second' passagewaysfor delivering gaseous fuel therefrom, a first thermoelectric ldevice in said third passagewayand havingA an open position for deliveryoffuelthrough said passageway and operable to closed position shutting off the deliveryof-fuel through said passageway, a second thermoelectric device in said second passageway and having an open position for flow of fuel to said pressure chamber through said second passageway and operable to closed position shutting off such flow of fuel through said second passageway, said first passageway having a restriction therein so yas to deliver to said pressure chamber insufficient gaseous fuel to cause closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device is open-'but which Will accumulate-su-iiicientgaseous fuel in said pressure chamber to causev closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device is closed, said second passageway passing sufficient gaseous fuel to said pressure chamber when said second thermoelectric device is open to cause closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device is open, a thermoelectric generator connected in circuitfwith and common to both said-first and secondthermoelectric devices for holding said first thermoelectric device-open and for closingsaid second thermoelectric device by energization thereof by said thermoelectric-generator, said first thermoelectric device operating to closed position andsaid secondthermoelectric device beingl adapted to operate to open position upon deenergization of said thermoelectric generator, lreset means `for resetting the first thermoelectric device toopen position, and meanscooperating withand actuated by said reset means for opening said second thermoelectric device and holding same open during the resettingof said first thermoelectric device to open position. I

3. In a burner control valve, in combination, a valve body, a main valve member operable to closed and open positions within the valvebody, said valve body having a main-fuel inlet and a main fuel outlet on one side of said valve member and a pressure chamber-on the opposite sidey of said valve member, a first passageway connecting the inlet side of saidvalvewith said pressure chamber, a second passagewayconnecting the inlet side of said valve with said pressure chamber, a third passageway having connectionwitn said first and second passagewaysfor-delivering gaseous fuel therefrom; a first thermoelectric device in said third passageway and having an open position for delivery of fuel through said` third passageway and operable to closed position shutting off the delivery of fuel throughl said third passageway, a second thermoelectric device in said second passageway and' having an open position forflow of fuel to saidpressure chamber through said second' passageway and operable to closed position shutting o such flow of fuel through said secondl passageway,l said first passageway having a restriction therein so asto deliver to said pressure chamber insuliicient gaseous fuel to cause closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device is open but which will accumulate sufficient gaseous yfuel in said pressure chamber to cause closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device is closed, said second passageway passing sufficient gaseous fuel to said pressure chamber when said second thermoelectric device is open to cause closing of said main valve member when said first thermoelectric device'is open, a'thermoelectric generator connected in circuit with Aand common to both said first and second-thermoelectric devices for holding said first thermoelectric device open and for closing said second thermoelectric device by energization thereof'by said thermoelectric generator, said first thermoelectric device operating to closed position and said second thermoelectric device being adapted to operate to open `position upon deenergization of 'said thermoelectric generator,v reset means for resetting the r'st Vthermoelectric device to open position, a fourth passageway connecting the inlet side of the'valve to the pressurechamber, and a yvalve disposed in said-'fourth passageway and operatively connected'to said reset means for movement to open position byfresetting operation of said reset means and to closed position upon completion of the resetting operation.

4. Apparatus for controlling flow of fuel to fluid fuel burning apparatus having a main burner and a pilot burner comprising, in combination, a valve body having a main fuel inlet, a main fuel outlet and a valve seat therebetween, a diaphragm carrying a main valve member having closed position cooperating with said valve seat and open position separated from said valve seat, said diaphragm being exposed on one side to energy of the fuel entering said inlet and on its other side to a pressure chamber, passage means comprising a pair of branches each connected to supply fuel from the inlet side of said valve to said pressure chamber and including a connected passage for supplying fuel to said pilot burner, a condition responsive valve in said second branch havingopen position for flow of fuel through said second branch and closed position shutting off said flow of fuel, a shut-off valve in said connected passage having open position for flow of fuel to said pilot burner and closed position shutting off said ow of fuel, first electromagnetic means adapted when energized t0 operate said condition responsive valve to closed position and to hold said condition responsive valve in said position, second electromagnetic means adapted when energized to hold said shutoff valve in open position, a thermoelectric generator adapted te be subjected to the heat of said pilot burner and electrically connected te both said first and second electromagnetic means whereby as long as said thermoelectric generator is heated by said pilot, burner said shut-off valve is held in open position and said condition responsive valve is movable to closed position when the condition calls for it but upon extinguishment of said pilot burner said shut-off valve operates to closed position and said condition responsive valve operates to open position, said second branch, when said condition responsive valve is open, passing sufficient fuel to said pressure chamber to cause closing of said main valve While fuel is permitted to flow to said pilot burner and a restriction in said rst, branch for limiting the now capacity of said first branch to an amount sufficient for said pilot burner when said shut-off valve is open but insufficient, when said condition responsive valve is ing of said main valve except when said shut-off valve is closed.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein there is reset means for resetting said shut-off valve to open position, and means under control of said reset means for opening said condition responsive valve and holding it open whereby to supply fuel to said pressure chamber through said second branch to assure closing and holding of said main valve member closed during the resetting operation of said shut-off valve to open position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the main valve member, the condition responsive valve, the shut-olf valve and the first and sec-- ond electromagnetic means are embodied as unitary parts of said valve body.

'7. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the main valve member, the condition responsive valve, the shut-olf valve, the first and second electromagnetic means, and the passage means are embodied as unitary parts of said valve body.

8. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the thermoelectric generator is in the form of a single thermocouple.

closed, to cause closf 9. In control apparatus of the class described, in combination, a rst valve utilizing the energy of a fluid for operation to control fluid flow through a first conduit, a shut-off valve having open position permitting fluid flow through another conduit and closed position shutting olf said huid flow, a movable armature operable to control said shut-off valve, an electromagnet for said armature, a thermoelectric generator electrically connected to said electromagnet for energizing said electromagnet, reset means for resetting said armature with respect to said electromagnet and said shut-off valve to open position, and means under control of said reset means for supplying uid to said first valve for assuring closing and holding of said rst valve closed during the resetting operation of said shut-off valve and armature.

l0. In control apparatus of the class wherein there is a valve provided with a valve body having therein a diaphragm valve member operable to closed and open positions, a main fuel inlet and a main fuel outlet on one side of said valve member, a pressure chamber on the opposite side of said valve member, a first passageway connecting the inlet side of said valve with said pressure chamber, a restriction in said first passageway restricting the flow capacity of said passageway, a second passageway connecting the inlet side of said valve with said pressure chamber, and a third passageway having connection with said rst and second passageways for delivering gaseous fuel therefrom, the combination with said valve of a first normally closed thermoelectric device in said third passageway, a second normally open thermoelectric device in said second passageway, a thermoelectric generator connected in circuit with and common to both said rst and second thermoelectric devices and adapted for holding said first thermoelectric device open and said second thermoelectric device closed when said thermoelectric generator is energized, said first thermoelectric device operating to closed position and sai-d second thermoelectric device being adapted to operate to open position upon deenergization of said thermoelectric generator, reset means for resetting the first thermoelectric device to open position, and means cooperating with and actuated by said reset means for opening said second thermoelectric device and holding same open during the resetting of said rst thermoelectric device to open position.

11. In apparatus for controlling flow of fuel to fiuid fuel burning apparatus having a main burner and a pilot burner, in combination, e, valve body having a main fuel inlet, a main fuel outlet and a valve seat therebetween, a diaphragm carrying a main valve member having a closed position cooperating with said seat and an open position separated from said' valve seat, said diaphragm being exposed on one side to energy of the fuel entering said inlet and on its other side to a pressure chamber having a bleed port, passage means connected to said fuel inlet, said bleed port and said pilot burner, a shut-off valve in said passage means downstream of said bleed port, said shut-off valve having electromagnetic means including a thermoelectric generator adapted to be subjected to the heat of said pilot burner and when energized to hold said shut-olf valve in open posiiton whereby fuel may flow from said inlet to said pilot burner and may also bleed off from said pressure chamber to said pilot burner t0 effect opening of said main valve member, said shut-01T Valve when deenergized interrupting the flow from said inlet to said pilot burner but permitting flow to said pressure chamber to effect closure of said main valve, and a condition responsive Valve in said passage means, said condition responsive valve having an electromagnetic means connected in circuit with said thermoelectric generator and eiective upon deenergization of its electromagnetic means by extinguishment of said pilot burner to assure more prompt closure of said main valve member.

12. In apparatus for controlling flow of fuel to fluid fuel burning apparatus having a main burner and a pilot burner, in combination, a valve body having a main fuel inlet, a main fuel outlet and a valve seat therebetween, a diaphragm carrying a main Valve member having a closed position cooperating with said valve seat and an open position separated from said valve seat, said diaphragm being exposed on one side to energy of the fuel entering said inlet and on its other side to a pressure chamber, passage means including a pilot fuel supply passage connected to deliver to said pilot burner fuel from said main fuel inlet upstream of said pressure chamber and also to delivery to said pilot burner bleed fuel from said pressure chamber, a shut-off valve in said pilot fuel supply passage downstream of reception into said passage of fuel both from said main fuel inlet and from said pressure chamber, said shut-off valve having electromagnetic means including a thermoelectric generator adapted to be subjected to the heat of said pilot burner and when energized to hold said shut-olf Valve in open position and when deenergized interrupting flow of fuel through said pilot fuel supply passage to said pilot burner, and a condition responsive valve in said passage means, said condition responsive valve having electromagnetic means connected in circuit with said thermoelectric generator and effective upon deenergization of its electromagnetic means by extinguishment of said pilot burner to assure more prompt closure of said main valve member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 843,174 Reynolds Feb. 5, 1907 1,949,030 Stockmeyer Feb. 27, 1934 2,002,513 Stockmeyer May 28, 1935 2,032,046 Branche Feb. 25, 1936 2,232,502 Wittmann Feb. 18, 1941 2,291,783 Baak Aug. 4, 1942 2,318,801 Ray May 11, 1943 2,363,063 Hildebrecht Nov. 21, 1944 2,531,324 Paille Nov. 28, 1950 OTHER REFERENCES General Controls Catalog No. 51, copyrighted 1941, pages 9, 10, 11 and 17. 

